Top Smile Tips

Info to help keep your smile in good shape

Maintaining good oral health practices is essential in maintaining
your general health and wellbeing and we know from experience that little
things go a long way, it simply requires the right sort of know-how.

The Jersey Dental Care team are at the very forefront of dentistry practices,
so it makes sense to us that we make those simple but really useful snippets of
information readily available to our patients.

We often get asked very similar questions on pretty regular topics so you will find that
our downloads offer straightforward, no nonsense advice and information. For more general,
non-specific questions please see the our FAQ section or for more complex and in-depth.

Education

A visit to see the dentist can naturally evoke a mild sense of apprehension in
many patients and we understand that for some, this
can lead to a heightened sense of emotional discomfort or distress, often leading
to avoidance entirely.

Such feelings may stem from a fear of needles, concerns that treatment may be
painful or unnecessary or it may be that your prior experience in the dental chair
was not a positive one.

If you are a nervous patient, the first step should be to talk to a number of different
dental practices who offer extra support and treatment of nervous patients. Such practices
provide selected treatments and techniques which helps reduce anxiety, fear and pain.

Ask as many questions as you can and if possible, arrange to visit the practice
personally before booking an appointment. This will provide an opportunity to talk
to the team yourself and gain a sense of how the practice feels.

Pain relief, sedation and anxiety management techniques should all be discussed. A practice
who provides extra support to nervous patients will be happy to answer your questions in detail.

When you feel comfortable enough to book your appointment, prepare a little in
advance and take someone along for support if needed.

An early morning appointment can be useful as it provides little time to take
avoiding action.

Take a book, magazine or personal music device to help provide welcome
distraction whilst you wait. A bottle of water is helpful too, sip at intervals to help
reduce a dry mouth.

Here at jersey Dental Care we have carefully created a relaxed and welcoming
atmosphere which reduces the clinical feel and helps you feel more at home. Our
team understand fully the nature of anxiety and will help support you at every step
of the way.

If you would like to talk to us, ask some questions or would like to visit the practice
in person please do get in touch and we will be happy to talk you through how we
can help support you.

If your a nervous patient or fear the discomfort of the anesthetic needle, painless injections can help you
achieve a more comfortable dental experience. Our team are dedicated to improving pain reduction techniques
and have developed advanced methods which decrease pain sensations. Whilst not absolutely pain free, anesthesia
discomfort is limited to a small scratch.

Jersey Dental Care uses the very latest technology which delivers computer controlled anesthesia at a much slower
and precise rate. The fluid is delivered directly into the gum following application of an effective local anesthetic
cream, reducing pain sensations dramatically. Regulated flow also means that only the necessary amount of anesthesia
is delivered, aiding a speedier recovery post treatment.

If you are nervous about needles or simply prefer an alternative approach to standard anesthesia during
your treatment, talk to our team.

Oral cleaning requirements differ from person to person and change through
each life stage so it is essential to get the right advice. Talk to your dentist about
the type of brush, toothpaste and additional cleaning products that will suit your
personal needs to help support a healthy mouth.

Achieving effective cleaning relies on regularity and technique so whilst brushing
twice daily is required, using the appropriate pressure for the correct length of
time is essential for efficacy. Your tongue is an important factor too. Taking time to
review your cleaning technique with your dentist periodically will help you
maintain healthier teeth and gums between visits.

Care of your toothbrush is important in reducing the transfer of bacteria to where
itʼs not wanted. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after use and allow to air-dry
naturally. Change your toothbrush every 2-3 months to keep bacteria levels in
check and ensure cleaning is effective.

Regular check-ups help spot potential problems early but knowing what regular
should be is entirely individual. For some, this will be more or less frequent than
others, talk to your dentist about your personal needs and schedule your checkups
accordingly.

As well as regular cleaning it is important to take notice of any soreness,
redness or irritation highlighting a potential dental problem such as gum disease
or mechanical wear. Getting to know how your whole mouth, including the
tongue, normally looks will also help you spot any changes in colouration or
texture. Your dentist can talk you through the kind of changes that may need
dental inspection.

If you are a regular drinker of fresh fruit juices, diet drinks and some herbal teas,
you may be feeling the physical health benefits but regular exposure to the acid and
sugars may be causing damage to your tooth enamel. Take a preventative approach; clean
twice daily and chew a sugar-free gum after drinking to help improve saliva production.

Early education on the the importance of good oral hygiene practices helps put in
place the foundations for long-term oral health, reduces dental anxiety and
prevents the need for dental intervention longer-term.

Introduce the concept of cleaning at an early age and make it a routine part of
the day. Purchasing the type of brush and toothpaste is essential in ensuring that
delicate gums and teeth are protected. Your dentist can offer advice on products
and help you develop an effective technique.

Use the recommended amount of toothpaste for your child's age and review
periodically with your dentist.

Ensure that the toothpaste is rinsed fully from the mouth and that swallowing is
discouraged.

Supervise daily brushing until your child is able to get to all those difficult places
by themselves.

Care for your child's toothbrush as you would your own; rinse thoroughly after
use, allow to air-dry and replace regularly.

Regular check-ups from an early age are also important in spotting any early
signs of decay or possible problems. Talk to our team or your dentist about how
we can make the first check-up as relaxed and stress-free as possible.

If you are nervous about dental visits it is likely that your child may begin to feel
anxious too. Talk to our team who can help you reduce your anxiety and
help make your visit a more comfortable experience for you and your family.

Gums offer a good insight into the general health and wellbeing of your mouth
and your body overall. Taking care of them is essential.

Inspect your gums regularly checking for mechanical damage, change in colour
or ulceration. Healthy gums should appear pink without swelling, irritation,
soreness or redness. If this not the case book in for a check-up.

Daily brushing and flossing is essential in keeping plaque in check and so
reducing your risk or slowing the progress of gum disease. Talk to your dentist
during your next visit about how we can you use effective cleaning techniques
that keep gums healthy.

Your breath is a key indication of whatʼs going on inside your mouth and aside from
those food odours associated with digestion, bad odours should be taken seriously.
Bad breath can be caused by lodged food, plaque and tartar or be an indication of more
serious issues. Breathe fresheners mostly mask odour rather than helping establish or
treat the cause. We understand that it can be a sensitive issue but it is treatable.
Talk to your dentist to arrange a halimeter consultation for a full assessment. This
quick and painless procedure measures the activity of volatile free sulphurs, the
compounds responsible for the the odours. Once measured, treatment options can be discussed.

If your gums are pale and have been for some time, this may be an indicator of
an underlying health problem such as anemia. It can also be an indicator of gum
disease so a visit for a check-up is essential.

Redness and bleeding when brushing or eating are an indicator that gums are
not as healthy as they should be. If the problem is persistent, occurring regularly
and without any other sign of mechanical damage, make and appointment to get
things checked out.

There is a vast array of dental hygiene products available but getting the basics
right is a good place to start.

Your toothbrush is the most important part of your daily routine and your choice
will determine the quality of the clean. Choose a brush with nylon bristles and
rounded ends for the most hygienic clean which is gentle on gums. We have
individual needs so advice on firmness, shape and style should be talked through
with your dentist or hygienist periodically.

Fluoride-rich toothpaste helps maintain healthy teeth and enamel, use twice daily
and rinse well. Other oral care products may be suggested for use under the supervision
of your hygienist or dentist. Children under 3 years of age require fluoridated toothpaste
containing 1000 ppm whilst those over need 1350-1500ppm. Your dentist can help you choose a
suitable product for the whole family.

Removing plaque from in-between teeth helps reduce or slow down gum
disease. Regular flossing, when done correctly, can promote teeth and gums that
are cleaner and healthier. The choice between natural or synthetic floss is a matter
of personal preference but the thickness should be chosen to suit your your
mouth. You may need different sizes to effectively clean different areas of your
mouth and a proper technique should be developed to guard against damage.

Keeping teeth and gums in good health is important to us all but if you have
diabetes, there are some additional things to consider.

Regular check-ups are essential in keeping you mouth healthy as they help to
pick up early signs of damage or disease, enabling quicker treatment to
commence. Bi-annual visits are recommended but we can advise you further
depending on your own personal health needs.

If you are a new patient or your condition changes over time, you should let your
hygienist and dentist know that you have the condition.

Brushing should be done twice daily with a soft bristled, round-headed
toothbrush to avoid mechanical damage to the gums. Brushing should be gentle
but thorough to help eliminate bacteria. Your dentist or hygienist can help you
develop an appropriate technique.

Gum disease is more likely if you have diabetes and bacterial infections can
interfere with glucose levels. You may also be more prone to oral thrush and
experience a drier mouth, reducing saliva output and increasing the risk of
cavities. It is essential to routinely check the health of your mouth visually in
between dental appointments and talk to your dentist if further advice is needed.